Find very important pigeon pest control information, some of the best resources on how to get rid of pigeons and how to exterminate pigeons. Learn how to use a pigeon repellent and what pigeon spikes are. Discover everything you need to know about pigeon prevention!

To make everything simple, let me make it clear that many specialists and property owners consider pigeon spikes as the most cost-efficient and effective device that can be used to exclude pest pigeons in buildings and other structures. There are some experts who say that spikes are 100% effective in stopping pigeons from perching and roosting in a specific area. They also agree that these spikes are cost-efficient because it does it does not need to be maintained quite too often and its can last for a long time. The spikes come in two different materials, steel and plastic. Steel spikes have already been discussed in my other entry entitled "An Extensive Review on Anti-roosting Pigeon Spikes Products: Steel Spikes", you can look for this post at the bottom of this page (down in the archive section). This particular article will focus more on plastic spikes and the different applications and considerations associated to it.

One thing that makes pigeon spikes more popular is that fact that it is very easy to install, so easy really, that almost anyone can do it! That means that if the owner no longer needs the services of a specialist to have the spikes in his or her property, if he or she chooses to do it himself or herself, he can do so. Moreover, such spikes do not only deter pigeon perching and roosting, they can also stop the other birds from doing the same. Unlike nets which have mesh sizes which are specific to bird types (50 by 50 millimetres for pigeons, 25 by 25 millimetres for sparrows, etc.), owners no longer need to worry about having the right mesh size to repel the right birds. Pigeon spikes can repel all sorts of birds at the same time.

Between the two types of spikes (steel and plastic), the plastic ones are known for their price. These types of spikes are usually more affordable than the previous one and they are easier to install too. However, when it comes to longevity, of course the steel spikes win. It is up to the owner to determine which of these two factors will he or she value more, either he or she chooses to give more value to longevity or to money. Whatever is chosen, there is always a guarantee that the owner of the property will not regret his or her choice.

Plastic Anti-roosting spikes

Plastic spikes are also easier to install than the steel one. such spikes can also come in many different colors and textures depending on how the owner of the property wants them to look like. The spikes can be effectively concealed from public view too because of its size. This means that the spikes can be installed in many areas in the building, including the narrower ones which ordinary exclusion systems cannot. It can be installed in the gutters, awning, cabling, eaves, louvers, pipes, chimneys, roofs and all the other architectural features which are prone to pigeon perching. Thus, even the housing of the air conditioners, the I-beams and the glass canopies of the building can be protected from the pigeons too.

It is better if the anti-roosting and anti-perching spikes are installed before pigeons even begin to habituate the area. In almost every situation, prevention is always better than cure. When the pigeons are already occupying the area, chances are, they have already done visible damages in the building. So, the owner would have to hire someone to clean their mess up and repair the damages that they have made. The entire process can cost the owner a lot, something which could have been avoided if the anti-perching spikes are installed before it all happened.

Nevertheless, many experts say that it is also a good thing if the spikes are installed after an infestation has already taken place. That way, the owner can be sure which specific area in his or her property really needs the spikes. One unique trait of pigeons is that after they figure out that the area which they used to perch is no longer "available" because of the spikes, they will simply look of another building and not for a new area in the same building. This means that if you exclude them from the area where they are used to perch, you are also excluding them from your entire building!

Additional Information

There is still a slim chance that pigeons will only relocate within the same building if the other building surround it is not "available" for perching and roosting too. If this is the case, it will be helpful if the owner of the property would hire a specialist to identify which areas in his or her property are conducive for pigeon perching so that they areas can be protected. Although the installation of anti-roosting spikes into every portion of the building which is prone to pigeon habituation can be a little costly because of the number of spikes which the owner has to buy, this is still the best way to be certain that the building is thoroughly protected. It is a good investment actually, plus, if the owner buys spikes in large quantity, there is a very high chance that he or she will be given huge discounts by the dealer of the spikes.

Special Considerations for Plastic Spikes

Plastic spikes should not be installed when the atmospheric temperature is about 45 degree Celsius or when it is below 5 degrees Celsius. This is because plastic can shrink or expand depending on the temperature around it. If the spikes are installed while they are not in their normal state, tendency is, the fixings will not hold perfectly when the temperature stabilizes again. The spikes should not be installed while it is raining too or when the surface where it is meant to be installed is wet and slippery. Before installation, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned, making sure that all the excretions (guano) of the bird have been removed from the area.